Nature's Larder

I gather you all here today to discuss something on a rather serious note... It has come to my attention that there are people out there, such as myself, suffering from a little-known condition known as CGGOC – Courgette Glut Growers Overload Circumstance. The symptoms are actually very well documented. Sufferers are often left overwhelmed and bewildered as they stare into a fridge drawer full of courgettes wondering what on earth they are going to cook next. In the early sta

Some recipes begin with a shopping list ...This one began with a bucket of blackberries. The sort that arrive in a neighbour's hand with a smile and the words, "I thought you might like these." The sort that stain your fingertips purple before you've even reached the kitchen .. and those very blackberries became a delicious homemade curd, rich with a gentle sharpness and gloriously jewel coloured ( When Life Gives You Blackberries ... Make Blackberry Curd.) Generously spooned

A refreshing taste of summer beneath the apple trees ... There are some places that quietly become part of your story. For us, Wady's Cider Orchard and Taproom is one of them. On warm summer afternoons, it's one of our favourite places to escape for an hour or two. Sitting beneath the apple trees with a chilled drink in hand, watching the light filter through the orchard, you can't help but slow down. There's something wonderfully simple about it all ... the scent of apples

They say when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade ... But every now and then, life has other plans ... Not long ago, I mentioned to my husband that we really ought to go blackberry picking. I had a craving to make a blackberry curd and imagined an afternoon spent wandering the hedgerows, returning home with purple-stained fingers and enough berries to fill a basket. About twenty minutes later, there was a quiet knock at the door, and on the doorstep sat a generous

The Black Nebula Spritz ... An elegant aperitif inspired by a heritage carrot, an old family recipe and a neighbour's garden. Some recipes begin with a carefully planned shopping list, The Black Nebula Spritz begin with a message from a neighbour ... Whenever Beverley invites me round to try something from her garden, I know I'm in for something a little out of the ordinary. This week, she shared a photograph of freshly pulled Black Nebula carrots on Facebook and casually ann

A Somerset Fairy Tale (With a Cocktail at the End) Are you sitting comfortably? Then we shall begin... Every fairy tale contains an element of truth. As with all stories handed down through the years, however, they have a habit of acquiring a little extra sparkle in the retelling. Such is the tale of the Fig Leaf & Gooseberry Spritz. And like every good story ... Every recipe has a beginning. Sometimes it's a scribbled idea in a notebook. Sometimes it's inspired by a memora

The drink I nearly didn't make ... This drink almost never existed, but then ... While making my Blackberry & Mangelwurzel Jelly ( Deliciously Unique Blackberry and Mangelwurzel Jelly Recipe to Try ), I found myself standing over a pan of the most beautiful ruby-red juice I'd ever made. It seemed almost criminal to watch every last drop disappear into the preserving pan. So I quietly poured 100ml into a jug. No plan. No recipe. Just curiosity. What followed was one of those

How an old-fashioned root vegetable became my favourite preserve of the summer ... Some recipes arrive with months of planning. Others arrive in the hands of a neighbour carrying a rather extraordinary vegetable. When I was given mangelwurzels ahead of village Mangelwurzel celebrations, I'll admit I wasn't entirely sure where to begin. Most people know them as livestock feed, not something destined for toast or afternoon tea. But curiosity has always been my favourite ingre

If you find yourself with an abundance of courgettes and want a fresh, light dish that captures the essence of summer, this goats cheese and courgette tart is an excellent choice. It combines a crisp, buttery pastry with a creamy, tangy filling and tender, golden courgettes. The subtle heat from red chilli and the aroma of fresh thyme add layers of flavour that make this tart a standout at any meal. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a versatile dish that works well for casual

Sometimes the best recipes come from unexpected moments. This Mascarpone Spelt Apple Crumble Tart was never meant to exist. What started as a simple plan to bake an almond-based apple crumble tart with mascarpone and cream cheese filling turned into a kitchen adventure fuelled by a sudden rainstorm and a missing ingredient. Yet, this twist of fate led to a delicious discovery that I’m excited to share. The Unplanned Beginning The original idea was straightforward: create a ta

If you love the cosy flavours of autumn, this apple custard tart will quickly become your go-to dessert. Imagine sweet, juicy apple slices nestled in a smooth, creamy vanilla custard, all resting on a buttery, crumbly crust. It’s a treat that combines the best of textures and tastes, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment at home. Just a quick tip before you start: make sure your tart bakes on a level shelf in the oven, unlike my last effort which res

On those chilly autumn days, nothing beats the warmth of a serving of Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin. It’s not just food; it’s a feeling of cosiness, bringing together family and friends around the table. With layers of soft potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish offers comfort in every bite. Creamy Bacon and Red Onion Potato Gratin - The Recipe Ingredients 1 kg potatoes, thinly sliced 2 tbsp unsalted butter 180 g bacon lardons 1 red onio

As autumn leaves drift and the air gets chillier, the pumpkin spice lattes firmly take over their seasonal annual reign, but perhaps controversially I will never be convinced that pumpkin spice has any place in my latte. I believe another comforting flavour deserves your attention: spiced apple juice donut cake! This apple juice donut cake is more than a treat; it’s an experience. Each moist bite bursts with the tangy sweetness of apple juice, perfectly matched with warm

Are you craving a fresh and vibrant salad that is both healthy and packed with flavour? Look no further! The Persian Style Carrot and Fresh Herb Chutney Salad is a colourful dish that is easy to make and sure to delight your taste buds. With the perfect mix of sweet carrots, zesty chutney, and aromatic herbs, it shines as a light lunch or a standout side dish for any gathering. I love to serve this alongside my herby Pea & Feta and Giant Couscous Salad Persian Style Carrot a

Living in Somerset has its perks, especially when it comes to fresh produce. This time of year, the local area is overflowing with vibrant fruits and vegetables. Buckets brimming with apples are common sights, while fresh figs and plums often come from friendly neighbours' trees. With an abundance of eggs at hand, I was inspired to create a dish that highlighted some of the villagers produce to be found. But having used my fill of apples, figs and plums this year, I wanted t

Life is full of compromise, especially when you share your home with kids. The sound of "Mum, I've picked you some more blackberries" is often followed by the request, "Mum, can you make a pie?" But every time, there’s a twist: "Mum, but can it not have blackberries in the middle because I don’t like when the blackberries go all squishy?" Navigating these kitchen negotiations can be tricky, but they also spark creativity. After enjoying the deliciousness of freshly frozen bla

These beautifully hued Blackberry Shortbread Biscuits came to being following one evening when my kids returned from a dog walk with my husband, proudly holding a treasure trove of ripe blackberries aloft in front of me asking me what I would make with them. My head was full of other recipes at the time and I had been caught a little off guard with this unexpected ingredient, I told them to pop the blackberries in the fridge while I thought about my options. My eldest sugge

Summer shines brightly with an array of fresh produce, and tomatoes are one of the standout stars. Their vibrant colours and juicy textures remind us of sun-soaked gardens and the aromatic smell takes me back to summer visits exploring my Granddads green house. This Tomato, Feta, and Mint Salad beautifully showcases summer's offerings by blending sweet, large tomatoes and arm cherry tomatoes, blistered in a pan with tangy feta and fragrant mint. It is a delicious way to celeb

As the summer sun blazes overhead, nothing beats a cool, refreshing dessert to help you beat the heat. This year, we are excited to share a simple yet delightful dessert that embodies the essence of summer: Fresh Fig No Churn Ice Cream. With its enticing aroma, light texture, and rich creaminess, this ice cream is the perfect way to savour the season’s bounty. Get ready to indulge in a summer treat that is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious! The Allure of

As the summer sun blazes, it's the perfect time to revamp your cocktail recipes with something fresh and exciting. Fig leaf syrup is a surprising ingredient that's carving a niche in the mixology scene. With its light coconut flavour and enticing aroma, fig leaf syrup can transform your summer drinks. Whether you're enjoying a sunny afternoon by the pool or hosting a lively barbecue, this syrup offers a unique twist and adds a layer of sophistication to your cocktails. Let’s